Cabernet Sauvignon, the king of red wines has a home in Argentina. Argentina, long known for producing great Malbec, produces Cabernet Sauvignon as well. Known as a land of meat lovers and Malbec production, Argentinean wines also offer consumers a wide range of value oriented and more distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bodega Luigi Bosca, Mendoza, Argentina, is a family run enterprise, long considered for producing high quality wines from the area. The family strives to be one of the most biodynamic wine producers from the area and offers distinctive wines at different levels for every occasion. Luigi Bosca offers three labels: Finca La Linda, Luigi Bosca Reserva and Selectos Familia Arizu.

Finca La Linda Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in French and American Oak. Deep maroon in color with aromas of dark fruit with a hint of spice. Young tannins, not overpowering, yet subtle in mouthfeel. Should age well over the next 1-3 years. A lovely everyday drinking Cabernet Sauvignon paired well with a steak or other red meat. An outstanding value from Luigi Bosca.

Share this:

Like this:

[tweetmeme source=”PIWC2” only_single=false]
As old as time, ancient time- Wine and Spices had begun to be paired together. In not so obvious ways, but as man began to move across lands conquering, taking their spoils and riches back home, a merge of the two took form. Even in today’s time we have begun to cross barriers that only the very adventuresome might try in their own kitchens. These global ocean trials have swept into the realm of wine and food pairing.

Sometimes as simple a few ingredients having been blended in a country such as the African Islands. Ingredients that we have had in our own spice cabinet for hundreds of years are being discovered to have been right in front of our noses. One such blend is Za’tar- known by many spellings and uses, is mostly used for a condiment made from the dried herbs, often Thyme, mixed together with sesame seeds, salt, as well as other spices. Used in Arab cuisine since medieval times, both the herb and spice mixture are popular throughout the Middle East and Levant still today.

Some such blends have been protected by families for centuries, and are only now being explored. These components blended with a few other ingredients such as mustard, oil, and parsley, then used as a rub for rack of lamb, and a dash of Za’atar blended with a cream sauce for Lobster ravioli can be a new discovery for the taste buds. Once this pairing has taken place- a wine pairing may develop.

Try a Charles Creek Winery- ‘La Vista’ Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet 04, an oak aged wine that has begun its perfect journey to be a leading ballet on the taste buds. Subtle rich red fruit and spice help make the right dishes such as a ‘Surf and Turf’- the perfect marriage to prove that ancient man had began a journey long before he may have realized, and one we all can continue for many many years to come!

Something in my own personal opinion is worth more than any riches, as on the spice trade it was horrendously valuable- A good meal and a great bottle of wine- Priceless beyond any gift you could ever pass on to me!

The legendary Stagecoach Vineyard rises to an elevation of 1700 feet above the eastern portion of Napa Valley’s Oakville district, stretching from the western side of Atlas Peak to the southern portion of Pritchard Hill. Cabernet Sauvignon grown on this site is prized for it’s intensity and complexity of flavor.

Deep, saturated purple color is the introduction to this intense young wine. Dark fruit, baking spice and a dusting of fine tannins in a richly textured package suggest a good decade (or more) of cellaring, if one can resist the temptation to break out a bottle tonight.
In either case,beef, lamb or game would be prime partners for this classic Napa Cabernet.

If you want to attend an event where fine dining and wine tasting is more than just a chance for Chef’s in the Princeton, New Jersey at The Westin, Forrestal Village area to shine- then you missed it last night. Share Our Strength, and Taste Of The Nation have been going strong for twenty years plus raising money for local charities that give 100 % back to make sure kids do not go hungry.They are synonymous for bringing together area restaurants to feed the local food enthusiasts something special, or not. This event shows the strength and dedication of both the charity organizations, and the culinary back up!

Share Our Strength has raised over $73 Million dollars to help keep feed local kids in neighborhood programs, and organizations around the country.

Lots of food was flowing around the large banquet room on the hotel’s downstairs side entrance. Along with a fun bottle toss. Yes, you got the chance to throw a white ring over a bottle of wine and walk out the door. Wine was donated by local wine retailers as well as New Jersey Wineries.

My frugal wine deal of the week: Vina Robles 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. For those that are unacquainted with Paso Robles, it is the largest and most diverse wine region in California with many micro climates and is considered the fastest growing AVA in California. The wineries of Paso Robles produce some great Cabernet Sauvignon and some have even achieved cult status with wait lists to receive some of their shipments. The wineries are typically small and family owned with limited distribution, unlike Napa and Sonoma wineries.

Paso Robles wineries are also known for its premium Syrah, hence giving this area of California the name of the “Rhone Zone”. Winemakers swear the climate of Paso Robles mimics the southern Rhone area of France where the producers of Syrah blends are fondly known as the “Rhone-Rangers”.

I had this little Cab from Paso Robles and while not an exceptional wine-didn’t knock me over, it is well worth the $15 bottle price to share with friends and family. A little tight upon opening, a bit more nose after 1 hour in the glass. Nice hints of chocolate and cherry. Not a pop and pour wine, but needs a good hour or more to open up. Enjoy with a nice grilled meal, but nothing too elaborate. This is one of those “go to wines” if you just don’t know what to bring to dinner and not sure about the crowd.

Would I buy this bottle again? yep, at $15 but at approaching $20, I would think twice.

Share this:

Like this:

Now here’s a little obscure American holiday; American Chocolate Week. And while it’s not one of those holidays you’ll get off from work or school, you’ll certainly have a reason to eat chocolate and possibly pair it with some good red wine.
Parings: While some may think chocolate and wine are easy to pair. It’s not necessarily true. Chocolate can have very intense, overpowering flavors like wine. If you pair an intense chocolate with a rather light red or even white wine, the intensity of the chocolate will not shine through. Instead look to pair an intense Zinfandel or even a rich California Cabernet. Acclaimed sommelier and wine critic Natalie Maclean recommends pairing a dark chocolate with New World Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz or even Zinfandel. As wine critics recommend, just remember this most basic of rules: always pair an intense chocolate with a heavier red and you’ll be on the right track.
Another great way to pair chocolate and wine is when its’ an ingredient in a recipe. An when it comes to intense chocolate desserts do not try to pair them with a wimpy table wine, try a rich Port.
Here are some classic pairings for dark, bittersweet chocolate:

Zinfandel

Syrah

Tawny Port

Armagnac

Cognac

Cabernet Sauvignon

Here are some pairings for Milk Chocolate:

Merlot

Riesling

Sauvignon Blanc

Dessert wines

And here’s my wine to pair: St. Clement 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. A definite New World Cab. Rich and ruby in the glass with flavors of cherry and hints of chocolate on the palate. Ripe fruit on the nose with a nice medium finish. St. Clement is a small boutique winery and never disappoints me when I open one of their bottles. Try St. Clement with a dark chocolate and enjoy a little piece of heaven in your mouth.
Would I buy this wine again? You bet, but at $35 a bottle it’s not your everyday drinking wine. Better shared with those that appreciate a nice bottle of wine. Cheers and Tweets ! Adrienne, PIWC